Since the onset of the Persian Gulf conflict, more and more students that are in the military reserves at Southern University have been called to active duty to defend and protect their country.
Many students like James Staford, a senior music education from Pittsburgh, are waiting to fight for their country in Afghanistan and other mid-eastern nations to assist in the war on terrorism.
Many in Staford’s batallion have already been deployed. He is still awaiting notice.
“My group was partially called to serve actively to work as an active army unit,” said Staford. “Some in my unit were called forward to fight or rear in supplies as needed. Some have been called to Kuwait, Afghanistan and other countries.
Staford has already been given his assignment as a systems administrator to run military programs but knows he could be sent at anytime and his graduation date could be pushed back.
“Someone has to do it (fight in the war),” said Staford. ” I joined to protect the children. Children don’t have anything to do with it (war), they grow up in the free world and have the right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness in a peaceful world.”
Baltimore native Rashad Watson is studying to become a commissioner officer.
“I may graduate next fall and be fighting in Iraq the next month. I signed a contract saying I will protect the country from foreign and domestic enemies and that’s what I’ll do.”
